Finding a Business Networking Group

Finding prospective customers can be an intimidating experience, especially for the new business owner. What can you do to make this process easier? Two words: business networking. Networking events can work wonders for any business, particularly those just starting out. It can save you a good amount of time, legwork and money, not to mention get you connected to other business owners in your industry.

For the standard business owner, there are two avenues available: passive networking, and strong networking. Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages, however, so you need to weigh them carefully:

Passive networking is found in places like your local chambers of commerce. Here you can meet with fellow local business owners in your industry and get to know some of the important figures in your town. Many of the events they have are held on a monthly and annual basis, and they give you access to resources you may not otherwise obtain along with your ultimate goal of prospective customers for your products or services.

The one major drawback to passive networks is that, along with providing you with contacts from other folks in your industry, it can often saturate the meeting with people in your business that are doing the exact same thing you are: trying to find prospects. This can lead to otherwise unwanted competition, quickly turning a good idea into a nightmare. Such meetings also have little to no requirements regarding giving referrals to other members, and such referrals are not assisted by the meeting, leaving it entirely up to you.

The exposure you gain is directly proportionate to the amount of effort you're willing to put out there to get yourself seen. If you're a wallflower by nature, this drawback may negate the advantages of a passive network meeting.

An example of a strong network meeting would be weekly networking clubs or groups. Such networking events are often found in many major cities worldwide. A strong networking club will meet weekly for the specific reason of exchanging business leads and discussing business practices as they relate to networking. Strong networking groups typically ask that you attend the club weekly and require members to provide other members with referrals throughout the year. Unlike passive networking groups, they only let one person from every industry into the group, which both cuts down the competition dramatically and keeps the standards for referrals high.

The only real drawback with strong networking clubs is the commitment required to find referrals for your fellow group members. The weekly attendance requirement can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Passive network meetings require a great deal less of commitment, but the ROI may not be worth the effort.

Which option is best for you? Again, it depends on your interest and needs at the moment. Strong networking groups will almost guarantee you referrals, so long as you can find enough referrals for other members as well. Passive network groups have no limit on how many people from your industry can attend, making competition a real factor. Either way, make sure you present yourself in a professional and competent manner. You never know who will bring you some extra business later on, so it's important others see how serious you are about your work.